The Trader

Was Thursday's Rally a One-Day Wonder?

Was Thursday's surge the end of, or a pause in, the slide?

SEE, YOU NEVER KNOW. ONE MINUTE the stock market is terrorized, giving ground in the face of conclusive proof that the world is still a dangerous place. Then, suddenly, Booyah! The market goes the yard.

That's precisely what happened Thursday. After a big sell-off Monday, followed by two indecisive sessions, stocks shook off...